Dynamic real-time tiered client access

ABSTRACT

Wireless client devices within a wireless network exchange data with other wireless devices during particular time slots determined by the network. More particularly, the system generates and wirelessly broadcasts synchronization information to the client devices, where the synchronization information contains individual masks to be applied to bit fields of individual client devices, where said time slots are determined in accordance with the masked bit fields. In such a manner, client devices can be coordinated to communicate with the system in a dynamic real-time tiered manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/620,577, filed Jan. 5, 2007 and entitled “Dynamic Real-Time Tiered Client Access,” which claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/760,362, filed Jan. 6, 2006 and entitled “Securing Transactions Between an Electric Key and Lock Within Proximity of Each Other,” the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Optimizing sales transactions, providing secure access to physical and digital assets, uniquely identifying individuals, and generally improving communications and data exchange are challenges faced by many businesses and organizations. Ensuring that these processes are safe, efficient, reliable, and simple is important to companies, merchants, service providers, users, and consumers. Well-known technologies such as user-specific magnetic cards (e.g., credit and debit cards, employee badges), and more recent developments such as contactless cards designed to allow access or authorization when placed near a compatible reader, are examples of attempts to address the need to instill efficiency and integrity in, for example, the general classes of transactions described above.

SUMMARY

According to at least one aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method of facilitating data exchange includes: assigning a first specific time slot for a first client device to wirelessly communicate with a fixed proximity-based reader device; and assigning a second specific time slot for a second client device to wirelessly communicate with the fixed proximity-based reader device.

According to at least one other aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus includes: a physical, portable key device adapted to wirelessly communicate data with a fixed reader device when located in a wireless coverage area of the fixed reader device, where the key device is arranged to communicate with the fixed reader device during a time slot determined based on a bit field stored in the key device.

According to at least one other aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention, a system includes: a fixed reader device operatively connected to a network device and having a first wireless coverage range within a second wireless coverage range; and a portable client device arranged to wirelessly communicate data with the fixed reader device when the client device is within the first wireless coverage range, where a time slot during which the client device communicates data with the fixed reader device is determined based on synchronization information received by the client device.

According to at least one other aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention, a system includes: a network device arranged to wirelessly broadcast synchronization information in a first wireless coverage range; and a portable client device adapted to wirelessly communicate data with a reader device when the client device is located in communication proximity of the reader device, where the client device is arranged to receive data from the network device during a time slot determined based on the synchronization information.

According to at least one other aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention, a system includes: a network device configured to wirelessly broadcast synchronization information; and a portable client device configured to wirelessly receive the synchronization information, where the received synchronization information includes information assigning a time slot during which the client device can receive data from the network device.

According to at least one other aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method of facilitating data exchange includes: wirelessly broadcasting synchronization information to a portable client device, where the synchronization information includes information assigning a time slot during which the client device can receive data; and wirelessly broadcasting data for reception by the client device during the time slot.

The features and advantages described herein are not all inclusive, and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used herein has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been selected to circumscribe the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a single wireless cell in which a reader decoder circuit (RDC) and a personal digital key (PDK) are present.

FIG. 2 shows partially overlapping RDC cells.

FIG. 3 shows synchronized partially overlapping RDC cells.

FIG. 4 shows a synchronized multi-cell system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a PDK in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a portion of the PDK shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a portion of the PDK shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows an RDC in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an RDC in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows an arrangement of a timeslot in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a superframe in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a coordinator superframe in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an overall framing structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows an RDC beacon for use in a single cell system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a single cell system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a PDK-RDC handshake in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a coordinator beacon configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a PDK transmit timeslot enable operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a location tracking system configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a coordinator RDC (CRDC) location tracking handshake in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a configuration in which RDCs and PDKs are coordinated within a CRDC cell in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a CRDC framing and PDK timeslot response operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 23 shows a CRDC beacon and PDK response handshake in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 24 shows a PDK/RDC association in a CRDC cell in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 25 shows an RDC beacon transmission in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows a deep sleep state diagram in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 27 shows an authorization denial handshake operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 28 shows an authorization grant and association handshake in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 29 shows a single cell with multiple PDK access in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 30 shows multiple single cell RDCs with cell overlap in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 31 shows a floor layout and cell distribution in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 32 shows a gambling table with RDCs in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 33 shows a CRDC beacon to central server flow in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 34 shows a CRDC beacon to central server handshake in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 35 shows a configuration of overlapping CRDC cells in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 36 shows a c-beacon handoff for RDC-PDK communication in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 37 shows a PDK wakeup and response state flow in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 38 shows a configuration of an electronic game with an integrated RDC in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 39 shows an electronic game player tracking and game enable handshake in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 40 shows an electronic game player association handshake in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 41 shows a configuration of an electronic game with an integrated RDC in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 42 shows an electronic game player tracking and game enable handshake in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 43 shows an electronic game player association handshake in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Each of the figures referenced above depict an embodiment of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that one or more other embodiments of the structures, methods, and systems illustrated herein may be used without departing from the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to a technique for wirelessly communicating with a plurality of client devices without data collision. Particularly, in one or more embodiments, individual client devices are assigned time slots during the client devices may wirelessly communicate.

At perhaps a most basic level, one or more embodiments includes a personal digital key (“PDK”) and a reader decoder circuit (“RDC”). In general, a PDK is a portable wireless device that may be conveniently carried by an individual to facilitate wireless tracking and/or allow the individual to wirelessly access various applications, assets, and/or services. As further described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5-7, a PDK may be any device that (i) may be worn, placed in a pocket, wallet, or purse of a user, or attached to equipment, (ii) has a bi-directional wireless communications transceiver, and (iii) stores public and/or secret electronic identification numbers, as possibly some set of cryptographic keys. The form factor of the PDK is not limiting, so long as the PDK may be portably, and preferably conveniently and seamlessly, carried by an individual. For example, a PDK may be in the form of a “key fob” or a card, or in certain embodiments, a PDF may actually be integrated with or implemented in another device, such as a watch or mobile computing device (e.g., cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA)).

An RDC, as used in one or more embodiments, is a device that can wirelessly interact with a PDK to link the PDK user with various applications, assets, and/or services. The RDC may be a fixed access point serving as a gatekeeper for a PDK requesting access to a particular system. An RDC may be used in various settings and/or applications. For example, an RDC may be physically incorporated into a casino floor itself, an electronic game, a doorway, a pedestrian traffic monitoring point, a personal computer application, an e-commerce device (e.g., an automatic teller machine (ATM)), or any other application requiring a secure transaction or access control.

Further, secure data exchange for various financial and/or retail applications may be facilitated through use of a PDK and RDC in accordance with one or more embodiments. For example, a purchasing system may be implemented whereby a consumer can purchase goods or services using his/her personal “key” (e.g., a PDK) based on the key being in detectable wireless proximity of a reader device (e.g., an RDC). The purchase transaction may then be carried out based on some data exchange between the key and the reader device, where the key stores accessible, and possibly encrypted or encoded, information about the consumer (e.g., name, address, phone number, bank account information, biometric information, credit or debit card information). The validation or authentication of the consumer may occur either on the key itself and/or by the reader device. In the case of “on-key” validation, for example, the reader device may pass some information about the consumer (e.g., a biometric input, such as fingerprint data) to the key, which then matches the data provided by the reader device with permanently stored secure data about the consumer.

Various other applications or uses involving any number of PDK and RDC devices are possible in accordance with one or more embodiments. Accordingly, while examples of scenarios and applications are described herein for purposes of illustration and clarity, the present invention is not limited to any particular application, scenario, setting, or use.

Single Cell Operation of the RDC and PDK

Now referring to FIG. 1, it shows a single cell 10 in which, at some point in time, an RDC 12 and a PDK 14 are present. The RDC 12 may be some fixed device that has a cell radius defined by its wireless coverage boundary. When an individual carrying the PDK 14 comes into proximity of the RDC 12 by entering a coverage area of the RDC 12, a wireless communications session is initiated between the PDK 14 and the RDC 12. If the RDC 12 determines that the PDK 14 is authorized to communicate, information between the PDK 14 and the RDC 12 may be securely exchanged. Information securely obtained from the user's PDK 14 may then be used locally or sent through a back-end communications channel to a central server (not shown). When the transaction completes or when the PDK 14 leaves the coverage area of the RDC 12, wireless communication between the RDC 12 and the PDK 14 ceases. Thereafter, the RDC 12 may remain idle (i.e., be in a “tracking” mode) until a PDK again enters the cell 10.

Unsynchronized Multi-Cell Operation of Multiple RDCs and PDKs

Now referring to FIG. 2, in certain implementations, multiple RDC cells 20, 22, 24 may exist in an area. The RDCs in the multiple cells 20, 22, 24 may or may not be aware of each other, but are able to interact with one or more PDKs. The PDKs, in turn, are capable of interacting with the RDCs. As shown in FIG. 2, there are three partially overlapping RDC cells 20, 22, 24. An RDC 26, 28, 30 in cells 20, 22, 24, respectively, is independent and may not be in association with the other RDCs. Although the cells 20, 22, 24 partially overlap, each RDC 26, 28, 30 is capable of wirelessly communicating with any PDK 29, 31 within its cell boundary.

In one or more embodiments, the RDC 26, 28, 30 is capable of determining if energy is present on any given wireless channel. The RDC 26, 28, 30 may then determine the best channel to operate on and continue to place an identification marker (or “beacon”) out for any PDK 29, 31 that enters its cell boundary.

The PDK 29, 31 itself may be responsible for locating an RDC 26, 28, 30 by searching through available wireless channels, communicating with an RDC 26, 28, 30, and notifying the RDC 26, 28, 30 of its presence. In an implementation where two RDCs can communicate with one another (e.g., RDCs 26, 28 in cells 20, 22 shown in FIG. 2), the RDCs may select different communication frequencies. However, in the case where cells overlap, but each RDC cannot directly communicate with one another (e.g., RDCs 28, 30 in cells 22, 24 shown in FIG. 2), any PDK intending to access an RDC, may have to alert the RDC of possible collisions on the wireless channel on which the RDC is operating.

Synchronized Multi-Cell Operation of Multiple RDCs and PDKs

In certain implementations, multiple RDCs may be placed to allow an overlap of cells between each adjacent RDC within a confined area. This permits each RDC to be aware of its surrounding RDCs, thereby allowing synchronization of each RDC to the other. For example, now referring to FIG. 3, there are shown three partially overlapping RDC cells 40, 42, 44 with RDCs 46, 48, 50. The cell 40, 42, 44 of each respective RDC 46, 48, 50 overlaps the cell of the adjacent RDC 46, 48, 50. In such a manner, each RDC 46, 48, 50 may initiate wireless communication with an adjacent RDC 46, 48, 50. This begins a negotiation process among the RDCs 46, 48, 50 to determine which RDC 46, 48, 50 should be the coordinator and on what channel to communicate.

Although any of the RDCs 46, 48, 50 may be the coordinator, in the example shown in FIG. 3, RDC 48 in cell 42 may be a favorable candidate. Its selection permits ubiquitous coverage of the RDCs 46, 48, 50 shown in FIG. 3, additionally providing multiple transactions and timing alignment through a “daisy chain” whereby RDC 46 synchronizes RDC 48 and RDC 48 synchronizes RDC 50.

Still referring to FIG. 3, each RDC 46, 48, 50 may also share frequency and timeslot information among each other and with one or more PDKs. It is noted that if a PDK is located at an edge of, for example, cell 40, that PDK may still monitor the other channels that adjacent RDCs 48, 50 are operating on, but may not have access to these RDCs. Thus, in a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 3, a PDK may be forced to consume more energy due to the monitoring of multiple channels. Further, it is noted that as cell density increases, more collisions may begin occurring and/or active communication times may increase.

Coordinated Multi-Cell Operation

Now referring to FIG. 4, it shows an exemplar synchronized (or “coordinated”) multi-cell system 60 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As will be apparent from the description below, a synchronized multi-cell system may provide ubiquitous PDK and RDC synchronization as well as PDK battery conservation within the system 60. Further, in addition to ubiquitous synchronization, channel and frequency capacity may both be coordinated, thereby reducing collisions while increasing system throughput.

Turning now to FIG. 4 particularly, a coordinator RDC (“CRDC”) 62 has ubiquitous coverage of a plurality of cells 64, 66, 68 in the system 60. In one or more embodiments, the CRDC 62 provides beacon transmissions, which can be used to synchronize a plurality of devices within the coverage area 76 of the CRDC 62. In other words, by providing wide-area coverage, a plurality of devices, both RDCs 70, 72, 74 and PDKs (shown, but not labeled in FIG. 4), in the coverage area 76 are able to monitor a wireless transmission beacon broadcast by the CRDC 62 and determine how and when to communicate in a coordinated manner. Further, in one or more embodiments, the CRDC 62 may broadcast additional information including, but not limited to, a beacon transmission rate, framing information, channel information, system identification, and/or cluster identification. Moreover, it is noted that although the CRDC 62 may provide timing and certain system related information, RDCs 70, 72, 74 and PDKs may still communicate among themselves.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, there are at least three different types of devices (or software entities) that may be used, for example, in a synchronized multi-cell system, such as that shown in FIG. 4. A PDK is a trackable device having secure electronic keys and that may be portably carried by a user. An RDC is a device that acts as a gatekeeper controlling access of a PDK to a particular system. A CRDC is a device that is used to synchronize one or more RDCs and PDKs within a particular geographic area formed of either a single cell or multiple cells. A more detailed description of each of these components is now provided below.

PDK

Now referring to FIG. 5, it shows an example PDK 80 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Based on a specific application or use of the PDK 80, the PDK 80 may have different configurations for interacting with the PDK user. For example, the PDK 80 may have no user input mechanism or display, may have a single button input mechanism, may have a multi-button input mechanism, may have a biometric input mechanism, and/or may have an interactive user input mechanism and/or display.

As shown in FIG. 5, the PDK 80 has a wireless radio frequency (RF) media access control (MAC) and physical layer device 82 that facilitates bi-directional communications with external wireless RF devices, such as an RDC (not shown). In one or more embodiments, the wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 82 may communicate according to an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. However, in one or more other embodiments, the PDK 80 may be capable of communicating according to one or more different wireless protocols.

The PDK 80 also has a service and application layer controller 84 that includes a MAC portion 94 that serves as an interface with the wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 82. Further, the service and application layer controller 84 also includes portions that provide specific functions used to protect electronic keys and services of the PDK 80. Further still, the service and application layer controller 84 may support an optional user interface 86, which if implemented, allows user interaction with the PDK 80. A cryptography engine 88 may also be resident on the PDK 80.

Now also referring to FIG. 6, it shows a non-volatile memory storage 90 and a volatile memory storage 92 of the PDK 80. These two devices 90, 92 are related to security storage. In one or more embodiments, these devices 90, 92 may be accessible by an RDC (not shown) having the appropriate security algorithms and by private service providers having the correct security information. However, in one or more other embodiments, certain secured data may not be wirelessly communicated at all, in which case, validation or authorization occurs on the PDK 80 itself.

Specifically as to the non-volatile memory storage 90, a public serial number may be used to identify the PDK 80 and allow secure look-up of a secure serial number and a cryptography key via a remote server (not shown). The secure serial number may be thought of as being equivalent to, for example, encoded user identification information stored in a magnetic strip of a credit card, whereby such information is not visible to the outside world. The cryptography key may be used to allow decoding of the secure serial number from, for example, an RDC (not shown).

Further, it is noted that in one or more embodiments, the non-volatile memory storage 90 and associated parameter lengths may be dynamically assigned, with overall constraints depending on, for example, available memory in the PDK 80.

Now, specifically as to the volatile memory storage 92, this area may be used for security and may allow a service provider to store a profile containing secret keys and other secure information, such as privilege information. A service provider identification value may be stored to allow the service provider to easily identify the user. In addition, a service provider service identification value may be stored and used to allow that service provider to access that information. The PDK 80 validates that service provider identification value via the service provider secret key before allowing access to that service provider's profile area in the PDK 80. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the volatile memory storage 92 may have a number of service provider profiles.

Now also referring to FIG. 7, the service provider profile area may be of a variable length and allow a service provider the flexibility to store various parameters. The length may be determined by a byte count following the service provider's secret key in the memory area as shown in FIG. 7.

RDC

Next, turning to a more detailed description of an RDC 100 according to one or more embodiments, reference is made below to FIGS. 8 and 9. In general, an RDC 100, as described above, may be fixed and used to allow a PDK access into a particular system (e.g., gaming/casino system, financial institution, retail system). The RDC 100 may have different configurations to support different types of secure transactions. Some examples of applications and uses of RDCs include, but are not limited to, casino slot machines and gaming consoles, secure entryway control, user/equipment location tracking, personal computers and components thereof (e.g., disk drives), financial institution interactions, and retail purchasing. In the case of a personal computer, or any computer system for that matter, a reader device, such as an RDC, may be used to control access to certain data stored in the computer system. Thus, in such embodiments, an RDC 100 may be thought of as providing a form of digital content management.

In certain cases, the RDC 100 effectively acts as a gatekeeper allowing authorized individuals access to specific information or transactions. In other cases, because an RDC 100 may use proximity detection for determining if a PDK is within a particular geographical area, the RDC 100 may also be used for tracking one or more PDKs within a given area or network. In still other cases, an RDC 100 may be used for both location tracking and secure transaction purposes.

FIG. 8 shows a type of RDC 100 that uses a single wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 102. In RDC 100, communications are passed through the single wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 102. The single wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 102 facilitates bi-directional communication with one or more external RF wireless devices, such as a PDK (not shown). Thus, the single wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 102 may communicate with both PDKs according to assigned time slots (further described below) and one or more CRDCs (described in further detail below). Further, it is noted that in one or more embodiments, the single wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 102 may wirelessly communicate according to an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. However, in one or more other embodiments, the RDC 100 may be capable of communicating according to one or more different wireless protocols.

The RDC 100 also has a service and application layer controller 104. The service and application layer controller 104 has a MAC portion 106 specific to a wireless protocol of the RDC 100. The service and application layer controller 104 may further provide functions related to associating and tracking PDKs (not shown), as well as providing information back to a service provider.

The service and application layer controller 104 includes system parameters and configuration information 108 that may be used to identify the RDC 100 and define how the RDC 100 operates within a given environment. Further, the system parameters and configuration information 108 may define how the RF link is time slotted and/or how RF frequencies are used in the system. In one or more embodiments, these values may be optimized to reduce power consumption within one or more PDKs (not shown).

Still referring to the RDC 100 shown in FIG. 8, a cryptography engine 110 may also be present. One or more of various storage elements may also exist in the service and application layer controller 104. A secure key storage area 112 may be programmed to define public, secret, and/or cryptography keys for the RDC 100.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the service and application layer controller 104 may have additional memory areas, one or more of which may dynamically change dependent on system changes and wireless PDK connections. A volatile service provider storage 114 may allow a service provider to store semi-static information related to a specific PDK (not shown) or group of PDKs (not shown) for real-time access for those devices. An example might relate to a hotel room door lock. With a hotel room door, service provider information related to a PDK may be stored in the RDC. When a user comes within proximity of the door, the door could unlock. Thus, in this example, the RDC is not required to interface with a back-end server in real-time, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption to the back-end server, while allowing the user immediate access. Moreover, in one or more embodiments, the RDC may have a connection to a network or other infrastructure for receiving control signals as to which PDKs should be allowed to unlock the door.

The service and application layer controller 104 may also have a proximity tracking PDK list 116 that includes PDK identity information, signal quality metrics, and/or time stamps for each PDK (not shown) that is in proximity of the RDC 100. Such information may be used in the RDC 100 to perform an operation and/or may be relayed to a back-end server when, for example, location tracking is desired.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the service and application layer controller 104 may also have an associated PDK parameter storage 118. The associated PDK parameter storage 118 may contain a list of one or more PDKs (not shown) actively performing transactions with the RDC 100. It is noted that in one or more embodiments, although such transactions are performed with the RDC 100, the actual processing result of the RDC 100 to/from PDK transaction may be passed to a back-end server for further processing.

A service provider interface 120 may allow both control and query of the RDC 100. The service provider interface 120 may further provide the transport for keys from a PDK (not shown). In one or more embodiments, the service provider interface 120 may use a universal asynchronous transmitter receiver (UART) interface and may allow some level of control and status of the RDC 100.

An external service provider controller 122 may be attached to the service provider interface 120 with a system stack 124 residing in the external service provider controller 122. The system stack 124 may allow a third party to easily interface with the RDC 100, possibly requiring function calls to the system stack 124. Further, the external service provider controller 122 may provide translation of data. It is still further noted that the external service provider controller 122 and the RDC 100 may reside on the same physical component (e.g., circuit board).

Now referring to FIG. 9, it shows another type of RDC 130, which has an additional wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 132. In this configuration, components having like reference numbers as those reference numbers in FIG. 8 function identically or similarly to the corresponding components in FIG. 8. The additional wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 132 may be used to maintain synchronization with a CRDC (not shown) and pass networking related information, while the other wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 102 may be used to communicate with one or more PDKs (not shown) within a cell of the RDC 130. Further, the service and application layer controller 104 may have an additional MAC portion 134 to interface with the additional wireless RF MAC and physical layer device 132.

Still referring to the RDC 130, the use of dual wireless transceivers 102, 132 may allow for increased throughput and efficient use of the RF spectrum available to the system. Thus, in other words, these multiple wireless links allow simultaneous reception of data from client devices (e.g., PDKs) and of CRDC timing information on separate channels, thereby eliminating the need for back-channel synchronization of the network. Further, the multiple wireless links may allow for the simultaneous proximity sensing of multiple client devices (e.g., PDKs) in a “tracking” mode, along with the association of a client device with one particular cell for wireless application (e.g., secure transaction) purposes. For example, an RDC serving as a wireless player tracking device on a casino floor may, while keeping track of multiple transient players entering and leaving the zone of coverage of that particular tracking device, invite a particular player to begin a gaming session. This session may also include the exchange of player information with, for example, both the game and its back-end server to allow credit for games played and money spent. In another scenario, the system may facilitate another entire suite of applications, such as, for example, unlocking a hotel room door, while simultaneously keeping track of unrelated client devices coming and going within its coverage range.

CRDC

Next, turning to a more detailed description of a CRDC according to one or more embodiments, a CRDC may, for example, be an RDC of either of the types described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. At least one difference, however, between a CRDC and an RDC is that the CRDC has increased RF power output, or more generally, casts a broader range of wireless coverage. Another difference is that, in one or more embodiments, a CRDC may not communicate bi-directionally with a PDK, whereas an RDC of the types described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 may. Moreover, a CRDC may be capable of communicating with another CRDC, and may also be capable of communicating with an RDC. It is noted that CRDC-CRDC communication may allow for frame synchronization and frequency planning without requiring a wired connection between the CRDCs. The same may be true for CRDC-RDC communications. In certain implementations, it may occur that CRDC cell boundaries do not overlap, and thus, the corresponding CRDCs may not be able to directly communicate with another. In this case, an RDC that is between the cells may communicate with both CRDCs and act as a communication bridge to pass frequency and other control information in an effort to coordinate the system.

Still describing the general application and use of a CRDC in accordance with one or more embodiments, the CRDC may serve as a stand-alone wireless beacon that may be used to coordinate the timing and activities of individual, physically separated wireless providers (e.g., RDCs) with defined coverage areas, along with their clients (e.g., PDKs) in an autonomous, wireless proximity sensing and data transfer network. A CRDC may also be used to propagate system-wide information (e.g., periodic changes in cryptographic keys), thereby relieving traffic otherwise loading a wired back-end network linking individual cells to the back-end system. Thus, the CRDC may act as a system-wide master clock across multiple cells that may not be close enough to synchronize with each other directly without a wired connection.

Wireless Protocol

As described above, a system in accordance with one or more embodiments may rely, or at least partly be based, on an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. In relation to a protocol usable in one or more embodiments, a “timeslot” is defined as a period of time that information is communicated between two devices. FIG. 10 shows an example of portions of a timeslot in accordance with one or more embodiments. The timeslot is divided into a frame (or physical packet data unit (PPDU)) and inter-frame spacing (IFS). The frame includes synchronization information and carries the payload of data. The IFS allows time for a receiving end unit to process the data in the frame and transmitter turn-around time. Both the PPDU and the IFS may be variable in length as determined by an amount of data carried in the frame.

The frame is broken down into a sync header (SHR), a physical header (PHR), and a physical service data unit (PSDU). The SHR may contain a preamble sequence and start-of-frame delimiter (SFD) that allows a receiving device to acquire the RF signal and synchronize to the frame. The PSDU may then be used to carry both 802.15.4 MAC and user data information. Further, it is noted that the PSDU may be of a variable length that is determined by the type of MAC and data information being carried.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the frame may be further divided into symbols, which, in turn, are divided into bits. In one or more embodiments, each symbol may includes 4 bits that are sent least significant bit to most significant bit at the base band level.

Now referring to FIG. 11, a “superframe” is formed of multiple timeslots. The superframe may be used in a beacon-enabled synchronous network where PDKs can find an RDC and/or CRDC fixed device. The superframe may allow a PDK to efficiently determine if an RDC is present on any given frequency.

The superframe may be configured such that timeslot 0 (TS₀) is the “beacon timeslot.” Each superframe that is transmitted may start with a beacon timeslot. Further, each timeslot may be equally spaced so that a PDK and RDC can communicate.

Further, it is noted that in one or more embodiments, a superframe may be of a variable length dependent on the resolution to a timeslot. The initial number of timeslots within a superframe may be, for example, 16; but, in one or more other embodiments, a superframe may have a different number of timeslots.

Now referring to FIG. 12, a “coordinator superframe” (c-superframe) may be formed of multiple superframes. In one or more embodiments, a c-superframe may be generated by a CRDC. A c-superframe may provide one or more advantages over a superframe. For example, a c-superframe may provide better battery management for a PDK, as well as provide distributed superframe and timeslots in a high density networking environment.

As shown in FIG. 12, a c-superframe may have multiple superframes. Because each superframe may have a beacon, as described above with reference to FIG. 11, multiple beacons may be transmitted per c-superframe. This may allow a PDK to quickly determine if it is within a system. A c-superframe may also number the superframes, so that both an RDC and a PDK can realize their position within the framing structure.

FIG. 13 shows an overall framing structure of a timeslot as described above with reference to FIG. 10, a superframe as described above with reference to FIG. 11, and a c-superframe as described above with reference to FIG. 12.

Beacons

As discussed above with reference to FIG. 11, a beacon may be sent in every superframe. The beacon is used to alert PDKs (and RDCs when a CRDC is present) of system information and timing of the framing structure employed. In one or more embodiments, such a configuration may be implemented using an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. However, in one or more other embodiments, communication may occur according to one or more different wireless protocols.

In a single cell configuration in which one RDC is present (shown, for example, in FIG. 1), the beacon may be transmitted in timeslot 0 of a superframe boundary. By transmitting the beacon periodically, a PDK may wake up and find the beacon within a short period of time and realize that it is within some particular network.

In an unsynchronized multi-cell configuration in which multiple RDCs are geographically located near each other, but no synchronization between RDCs is implemented (shown, for example, in FIG. 2), a PDK may still wake up, detect the presence of the RDCs, and synchronize and communicate with each RDC due to the presence of the beacon on each RDC.

In a high density area in which multiple RDCs are present, a CRDC may most likely be present. In such a configuration, the CRDC may transmit the beacon, and all RDCs and PDKs in the coverage area of the CRDC align to the CRDC beacon. The CRDC may send a beacon on each superframe, as well as a c-superframe and other configuration information to the RDCs and PDKs.

Now referring to FIG. 14, in a single cell configuration (shown, for example, in FIG. 1), a beacon is periodically output based on a specific number of timeslots. Further, in one or more embodiments, the beacon may be used in accordance an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, with additional data attached indicating it is an RDC. At the end of each superframe, there may exist an additional idle period that allows tolerance in an over-the-air protocol.

After a beacon is transmitted, a PDK may immediately respond provided it follows the rules of what is know in the art as “carrier sense multiple access-collision avoidance” (CSMA-CA). If a PDK finds that the channel is busy in the current timeslot, the PDK may back-off and attempt again to access the RDC in another timeslot following the same rules. In the case the PDK is not able to communicate with the RDC, the PDK may wait for the next beacon and attempt again.

FIG. 15 shows a single cell configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in FIG. 15, a single fixed RDC 140 may be connected to a back-end server (not shown). The single cell system shown in FIG. 15 includes, for example: a computing controller with an operating system, an application, a back-end server interface, and a system stack; the RDC 140, which is the gateway for a PDK and performs authorization (the system stack and RDC 140 together allow a user who has a PDK to access the application dependent on authorization from the back-end server); and a PDK 142 that includes necessary security information and is within reasonable proximity to wirelessly communicate with the RDC 140.

An example handshake of the PDK 142 with the RDC 140 is shown in FIG. 16. The RDC 140 outputs a periodic beacon based on timeslot 0 of a superframe. Eventually, a user walks within the coverage area of the RDC 140, and the user's PDK 142 detects the beacon from the RDC 140. The PDK 142 determines if it is registered to this RDC 140 (or network), and, if so, responds with a PDK location response. The RDC 140 then detects the PDK location response and performs a link request to the PDK 142. The PDK 142 then accepts the request by replying with a link grant, and the two devices 140, 142 are now in data exchange mode. In data exchange mode, the two devices 140, 142 may transfer specific security information that result in the RDC 140 enabling access to the system through the system stack, computing controller, and/or back-end central server.

Periodically, data may be exchanged between the RDC 140 and the PDK 142 to ensure that the PDK 142 is still within close proximity of the RDC 140. As long as data exchange continues on a periodic basis, the application may remain enabled and the user can continue to access the application.

After some amount of time, the user walks away from the RDC 140 causing the data exchange to cease, in which case, the system stack indicates to the computing controller that the PDK 142 is out of range. The computing controller then disables the application to prevent unauthorized access. Regardless of data exchange, the RDC 140 may continue to transmit periodic beacons to guarantee that other PDKs may gain access to the application.

Now referring to FIG. 17, a configuration of a “coordinator beacon” (c-beacon) is shown. The coordinator beacon may be generated by a CRDC, or RDC behaving like a CRDC. As described above, a CRDC may cover a large geographic area covering a plurality of RDCs and PDKs within that area. The c-beacon may be a standard beacon sent in the first timeslot of each superframe as shown in FIG. 17.

A c-beacon, in accordance with one or more embodiments, may have properties that are different than those associated with an IEEE 802.15.4 standard beacon. For example, the standard c-beacon carries a field indicating the beacon is a c-beacon. Further, a c-beacon, in normal operation, is a unidirectional transmission from a CRDC. Further still, a c-beacon may contain other c-beacon related information: number of slots in a superframe; number of superframes in a c-superframe; the channels on which adjacent CRDCs operate; current superframe number; current c-superframe number; site ID; CRDC ID; PDK superframe mask; and PDK timeslot mask.

Further, it is noted that while beacons may be transmitted from a CRDC on timeslot 0 of each superframe, remaining timeslots of a superframe may be left open for unsynchronized communications between PDKs and RDCs. The term “unsynchronized” is used to describe communications between the PDKs and the RDCs because the RDC and PDK share a common CRDC beacon, but the PDK may not get synchronized directly to an RDC beacon. In this manner, the PDK and RDC may appear to represent a peer-to-peer network.

C-beacon information described above relates to configuration fields that allow the system to operate efficiently when using a CRDC. In the case of, for example, a large scale system, a service provider of the system may have knowledge of RDC coverage relative to the CRDC. The following description provides details of these fields.

A “superframe_len” field may be governed by an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. The number of slots may be from, for example, 2¹ to 2¹⁴. The number of slots in a superframe may be used to define the repetition rate for the beacon.

A “c-superframe_len” field may be used to define a higher layer counter used for extended power savings in a PDK. The c-superframe_len value may also define the number of beacons within a superframe. If the superframe is configured to not have a beacon, then this field may be ignored.

Name Type Valid Range Description C- Integer 0 to 15 Defines the number of Superframe_Len Superframes in a C-Superframe. Number of Superframes is defined as 2^(C-Superframe) ^(—) ^(Len)

A “CRDC_chan_flags” field may be used to indicate to a PDK what channels are used by adjacent CRDCs.

Name Type Bit Description CRDC_Chan_Flags Binary When any bit in this field is set to a 1, an adjacent CRDC is transmitting on that frequency. Binary 0 1 = Channel 0 available 0 = Channel 0 not available Binary 1 1 = Channel 1 available 0 = Channel 1 not available Binary 2 1 = Channel 2 available 0 = Channel 2 not available Binary 3 1 = Channel 3 available 0 = Channel 3 not available Binary 4 1 = Channel 4 available 0 = Channel 4 not available Binary 5 1 = Channel 5 available 0 = Channel 5 not available Binary 6 1 = Channel 6 available 0 = Channel 6 not available Binary 7 1 = Channel 7 available 0 = Channel 7 not available Binary 8 1 = Channel 8 available 0 = Channel 8 not available Binary 9 1 = Channel 9 available 0 = Channel 9 not available Binary 10 1 = Channel 10 available 0 = Channel 10 not available Binary 11 1 = Channel 11 available 0 = Channel 11 not available Binary 12 1 = Channel 12 available 0 = Channel 12 not available Binary 13 1 = Channel 13 available 0 = Channel 13 not available Binary 14 1 = Channel 14 available 0 = Channel 14 not available Binary 15 1 = Channel 15 available 0 = Channel 15 not available

A “superframe_cnt” field may be used to define a current superframe (or beacon) count within a c-superframe. If the superframe is configured to not have a beacon, then this field may not be transmitted.

Name Type Valid Range Description Superframe_Cnt Integer 0 to 65535 Defines the current Superframe count.

A “c-superframe_cnt” field may be used to define a current c-superframe count. If the superframe is configured to not have a beacon, then this field may not be transmitted.

Name Type Valid Range Description C- Integer 0 to 65535 Defines the current Superframe_Cnt C-Superframe count.

A “PDK_sf_ts_msk” field may be used to define the bits of a superframe count and the timeslot count to use for PDK superframe and timeslot sequencing while in a tracking mode. If the superframe is configured to not have a beacon, then this field may not be transmitted.

Name Type Valid Range Description PDK ®_SF_TS_Msk Defines which bits are to be used for determining PDK ® superframes and timeslots to communicate with an RDC during location tracking. Superframe Mask Binary 0000000000000 Defines the to Superframe mask 1111111111111 1 = enable bit 0 = mask bit Timeslot Mask Binary 000 to 111 Defines the Timeslot mask 1 = enable bit 0 = mask bit

The PDK_sf_ts_msk value may be used in conjunction with a portion of the service provider unique PDK identification value and may be used to determine the exact superframe and timeslot the PDK is permitted to transmit a location identifier back to the RDCs. The necessary logic and variables required to perform this operation are illustrated in FIG. 18.

Further, in one or more embodiments, to set the mask value of a particular PDK, a “set_pdk_msk_val” function may be used. The mask may be used over the superframe and timeslot counts and service provider's PDK ID to determine the superframe and timeslot the PDK is active on in the framing structure. In other words, the set_pdk_msk_val function may be used to set a mask for the PDK in an effort to establish at what times the PDK can communicate with an RDC. The function may return a pass or fail indication to indicate whether the mask has been successfully set. Conversely, to obtain the mask value being used by a particular PDK, a “get_pdk_msk_val” function may be used to retrieve the current PDK superframe and timeslot mask parameters.

Using, for example, the masking approach described above, individual client devices (e.g., PDKs) within a given cell (e.g., an RDC's wireless coverage area) may be addressed via real-time re-provisioning on command. Thus, in other words, by reserving time slots for both client device transmission and reception (based on masks established by the network), client transmission and reception time slots may be efficiently coordinated to reduce collision likelihood and allow for tiered client access, assignment of specific classes, and/or targeting an individual user for preferential, non-contended system access. Further, in one or more embodiments, bit masks may be changed to include or exclude specific users (or classes of users). Still further, in one or more embodiments, bit masks may be changed to dynamically alter access to the network by users or classes of users as traffic load on the network changes. Moreover, it is noted that once a specific client exits the network, previously reserved time slots of that client may be reassigned to one or more other client devices in the network.

To provide an example, there may be multiple client devices (e.g., PDKs) in proximity of a particular fixed reader device (e.g., an RDC). Each of these client devices, other than providing a location response, may request some data exchange with the reader device in order carry out a secure transaction. In an effort to reduce collision and coordinate the time slots that each client device “talks” with the reader device, a mask may be communicated to each client device to set the times at which the client device is to communicate with the reader device. Further, certain ones of the client devices may be afforded some level of priority, in which case the masks would be set accordingly. For example, masks may be set according to a class of a user of a PDK or to a class of the PDK itself. To facilitate such differentiation, priority level or tier level data may be present in an RDC or CRDC to be used when setting a mask for a particular client device or group thereof. Thus, in such a manner, there is provided a technique for dynamic real-time tiered client access. Moreover, it is noted that in one or more embodiments, a CSMA-CA mechanism may be implemented as a backup approach to facilitate data exchange.

Further, in one or more embodiments, utilization of a tiered access system to transfer and receive data to/from a specific user or client device anywhere within a wireless network may allow for simultaneously operating network-wide two-way communications without altering the network. Thus, in other words, although one or more embodiments relate to an autonomous wireless proximity sensing and data transfer network, such a network may be used to notify, page, or transfer data possibly unrelated to one or more of the applications which a majority of the client devices on the network are using (or typically use) (such applications being for the purposes of, for example, tracking, access control, and/or digital rights management). In another example, a network device may be able to associate a PDK ID to a particular user and then provide messaging capability based on the identity of the user. Thus, in this case, one or more embodiments may be combined with tiering to provide multiple messaging levels for different users.

The ability to assign tiers to the network may also enable low latency responses from targeted client devices. Accordingly, by integrating features into the client device that may take advantage of a two-way network capability, a system in accordance with one or more embodiments may allow for the simultaneous communication and control of external devices via real-time client command along with a general purpose low data rate two-way network.

Continuing with the description of c-beacon information in accordance with one or more embodiments, a “site_ID” field may carry a value that each CRDC transmits to all PDKs and RDCs within a coverage area of the CRDC. The site_ID value allows a PDK to determine if it can access the current site or if it needs to request permissions to access the site's network.

Name Type Valid Range Description Site_ID Integer 0 to 65535 Defines the current sites ID.

A “CRDC_ID” field may carry a value that each CRDC transmits to all PDKs and RDCs within a coverage area of the CRDC. The CRDC_ID may be used, for example, for geographical reference.

Name Type Valid Range Description CRDC_ID Integer 0 to 65535 Defines the current CRDC ID.

Now turning to a description of a use of a c-beacon, reference is made to FIGS. 19 and 20. A location tracking example in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown in FIG. 19. There are various different types of devices in the system 150 shown in FIG. 19. First, there is a CRDC 152 that may provide system information and facilitate synchronization for RDCs and PDKs. The system 150 also has RDCs 154, 156, which listen for PDKs and report the status of each PDK found within its respective cell 158, 160. The system 150 further includes a PDK 162 that is mobile and capable of being moving around. Further, the system 150 has a server 164, which is the back-end computer that controls the CRDC 152, acquires information from the RDCs 154, 156, and may provide a graphical representation to monitoring personnel via a computer monitor (not shown).

Accordingly, FIG. 19 shows how location tracking of a PDK is possible and a handshake between different parts of the system 150. A handshake example of PDK location tracking in a CRDC configuration is shown in FIG. 20. The CRDC 152 periodically broadcasts a beacon in timeslot 0 of each superframe. Enabled client devices within the CRDC cell boundary receive the beacon. After the PDK 162 receives the beacon and determines that the beacon is from a system that it is registered to, the PDK 162 broadcasts a PDK location response that is received by the RDCs 154, 156. Both RDC 154 and RDC 156 receive the response, log the PDK ID, the signal quality metrics, and timestamps the information. The packet of information may then be sent to the server 164, where the server 164 processes the data from each RDC 154, 156 and performs a location estimation that may then be presented to an operator. At the beginning of the next superframe, the beacon is again transmitted and the process is repeated until the PDK 162 can no longer be heard due to it being out of range.

Now referring to FIG. 21, it shows a system 170 in which both PDKs and RDCs are coordinated within a CRDC cell boundary. Because, in one or more embodiments, RDCs are stationary devices and may occasionally be relocated, the RDCs may be initially coordinated by manually configuring both timeslots and frequencies they operate on.

As shown in FIG. 21, one CRDC cell 172 and 6 smaller RDC cells 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184 exist. The CRDC cell 172 provides ubiquitous coverage to the RDC cells 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184. Each RDC cell 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184 overlaps its adjacent RDCs in a manner resulting in a high rate of collisions if the RDCs 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196 attempt to communicate with a PDK 198 on the same channel. It is envisioned that all the RDCs 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196 could be on different frequencies, but then the PDK 198 would be required to access each frequency for some duration, resulting in reduced battery life. To eliminate interference between the RDCs 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196 and provide the PDK 198 with an efficient means to conduct secure transactions, the system 170 shown in FIG. 21 may be used.

To optimize the system 170 for battery conservation of the PDK 198, each RDC 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196 may be provided with a dual RF physical interface. The primary interface is for monitoring a c-beacon and the PDK 198 located in close proximity, and to signal the PDK 198 to switch to another channel for further communications with that particular RDC. In this case, the CRDC (not shown) may transmit c-beacons, whereby all RDCs and PDKs will gain timing synchronization.

Based on the configuration shown in FIG. 21, the c-beacon fields described above may be configured as follows: superframe_len=4 (2⁴=16 timeslots); c-superframe_(—)len=4 (2⁴=16 superframes); CRDC_chan_flags=b0000000000000010 (most significant bit to least significant bit—CRDC channels); PDK_sf_ts_msk=b000000000011111 (mask all but 2 least significant bits of the superframe count and don't mask any timeslot bits); site_ID=0x1234 (arbitrary site identification); and CRDC_ID=0x0001 (arbitrary CRDC_ID).

Another piece of information that may be inherent to the PDK is a unique service provider PDK ID. The unique service provider PDK ID is located in the PDK and may be compared with the superframe and timeslot count prior to applying the mask, but may not affect the superframe and timeslot counts from a time reference standpoint. In this case, the unique service providers PDK ID for this PDK may be equal to 0x0003.

Using the above described values for the c-beacon, the following system attributes result (the superframe is 16 timeslots long, so once out of every 16 timeslots, a c-beacon is created allowing the PDK to determine if a system with the correct system ID exists): the c-superframe length is set to 16; the CRDC_chan_flags indicate to the PDK the number of CRDC channels available in the system; the PDK_sf_ts_msk indicates which bits to logically AND with the superframe and timeslot count to determine which slots to respond on (in this case, the PDK_sf_ts_msk is a hex value of 0x001F that is ANDed with the superframe and timeslot count resulting in one response timeslot); and the site_ID and CRDC ID are arbitrary values and may be left to the service provider for selecting unique identification values.

Using the above described exemplar system configuration information and having a PDK with a unique service provider ID of 0x0003, FIG. 22 shows how the PDK may operate in a CRDC framing structure. As shown in FIG. 22, the c-superframe_len is set to 16—thus, the superframe count counts from 0 to 15 and then starts over at 0. Each superframe then includes 16 timeslots of which the first timeslot is timeslot 0 and includes the beacon. The superframe_len is also set to 16—thus, there are 16 timeslots for each superframe. Again, the timeslots are numbered from 0 to 15, and restart at 0 for each superframe.

In one or more embodiments, based on the parameters set by the system and the unique service provider PDK ID, the PDK may periodically transmit a PDK location response in timeslot 3 of each superframe on a modulo 4 basis. This causes the PDK to respond in timeslot 3 of superframes 0, 4, 8, and 12 of a c-superframe. It is noted that the PDK may follow the CSMA-CA standard and if the PDK cannot respond in its timeslot, it may wait for its next designated superframe and timeslot to respond.

If an RDC requests to begin communication with a PDK, the RDC may immediately respond on the next even timeslot, which, in this case, is timeslot 4. Any RDC may respond, but RDCs may have to use the CSMA-CA rule prior to responding to the PDK transmission. If an RDC begins communications with a PDK, the following timeslot may be used to instruct the PDK to go to another channel, where bi-directional communications may commence.

Further, in one or more embodiments, an active superframe may occur when unmasked bits in the superframe count equal the corresponding unmasked bits in the unique service providers PDK ID. In this case, the superframe mask is a value of 0x003 and the unique service provider PDK ID is 0x0003.

With this information, the following calculation occurs:

$\begin{matrix} {b\; 000000000000} & {{superframe}\mspace{14mu}{{count}\mspace{14mu}\left\lbrack {15\text{:}4} \right\rbrack}} \\ {{xor}\frac{b\; 000000000000}{b\; 000000000000}} & \begin{matrix} {{unique}\mspace{14mu}{Service}\mspace{14mu}{Provider}\mspace{14mu}{PDK}^{®}\mspace{14mu}{{ID}\left\lbrack {14\text{:}3} \right\rbrack}} \\ {{result}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{xor}\mspace{14mu}{function}} \end{matrix} \\ {{and}\mspace{14mu}\frac{b\; 000000000111}{b\; 000000000000}} & \begin{matrix} {{Superframe}\mspace{14mu}{{Mask}\mspace{14mu}\left\lbrack {11\text{:}0} \right\rbrack}} \\ {{result}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{AND}\mspace{14mu}{function}} \end{matrix} \\ \frac{{nor}\mspace{14mu}{all}\mspace{14mu}{bits}}{1} & {{result}\mspace{14mu}{is}\mspace{14mu}{true}} \end{matrix}$

As shown above, a portion of the superframe count is exclusive-ORed with a portion of the unique service provider PDK ID. The result of the exclusive-OR is all 0's. Then, the superframe mask is ANDed with the result of the exclusive-OR function. The AND operation also results in all 0's. The result of the AND function is then compared to zero by NORing all of the bits together and results in a 1 or “true” output, indicating the bits compared between the superframe count and the unique service provider PDK ID are a match.

An active timeslot occurs when the unmasked bits in the 3 most significant positions of the timeslot count equal the unmasked bits in the unique service provider PDK ID's 3 least significant bits and the timeslot count least significant bit is a 1 (the PDK transmits on odd frames). In this case, the timeslot mask is a value of 0x7 and the unique service providers PDK ID's 3 least significant bits are 0x3.

With this information, the following calculation occurs:

$\begin{matrix} {b\; 011} & {{timeslot}\mspace{14mu}{{count}\mspace{11mu}\left\lbrack {3\text{:}1} \right\rbrack}} \\ {{xor}\frac{b\; 011}{b\; 000}} & \begin{matrix} {{unique}\mspace{14mu}{Service}\mspace{14mu}{Provider}\mspace{14mu}{PDK}^{®}\mspace{14mu}{{ID}\left\lbrack {2\text{:}0} \right\rbrack}} \\ {{result}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{xor}\mspace{14mu}{function}} \end{matrix} \\ {{and}\mspace{14mu}\frac{b\; 111}{b\; 000}} & \begin{matrix} {{Timeslot}\mspace{14mu}{Mask}} \\ {{result}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{AND}\mspace{14mu}{function}} \end{matrix} \\ \frac{{nor}\mspace{14mu}{all}\mspace{14mu}{bits}}{1} & {{result}\mspace{14mu}{is}\mspace{14mu}{true}} \end{matrix}$

As shown above, the timeslot count is exclusive-ORed with a portion of the unique service provider PDK ID. The result of the exclusive-OR is all 0's. Then, the timeslot mask is ANDed with the result of the exclusive-OR function. The AND operation also results in all 0's. The result of the AND function is then compared to zero by NORing all of the bits together and result in a 1 or “true” output, indicating the bits compared between the timeslot count and the unique service provider PDK ID are a match.

The last portion of the calculation that needs to be completed (as described above) is to verify the last bit of the slot count is a ‘1,’ indicating an odd slot. If the unmasked superframe and timeslot bits do not match the appropriate unique service provider PDK ID, the results will be “false” and no match will occur. In the examples described above, the superframe mask was set to unmask the 2 least significant bits of the superframe count to show that it is possible to allow a PDK to come up more frequently than the c-superframe count. By increasing the superframe mask to 4 bits, this example would allow the PDK to respond once per c-superframe (because the c-superframe was set to 16) and the modulo for the mask would be 2⁴, or 16.

The timeslot mask may be set to allow all timeslot bits to be correlated to determine the timeslot, allowing the PDK to respond once per superframe. Further, it is noted that it may be possible to mask some of the timeslot bits to increase the number of times a PDK can respond within a superframe.

In one or more embodiments, a PDK may periodically wake up to determine whether it is within a particular system. Upon a periodic wake up, the PDK will detect a c-beacon indicating that the particular system is present, along with system information. The PDK will collect the system information and determine the current superframe count of a c-superframe. The PDK may also put parameters (e.g., PDK_sf_ts_msk) in place to start immediate battery save in the system.

Based on an approximate time, the PDK may awake just prior to where it believes the next superframe is that it should communicate on, and will listen for the beacon and begin responding with the PDK location response message.

As shown in FIG. 23, a CRDC may update its system information on each superframe and output a c-beacon with current information to all PDKs and RDCs. The PDK then waits for its predefined superframe and timeslot and responds. This scenario continues to occur until the PDK leaves the CRDC cell or an RDC responds to the PDK.

As described above, a CRDC may continue to output a c-beacon, and the PDK periodically awakes to re-align to the superframe and respond to the c-beacon. If a RDC is present and wants to communicate with the PDK, the RDC may respond on the even timeslot immediately available after the PDK's transmission. FIG. 24 shows how the communications handshake between the PDK and RDC may occur. Particularly, FIG. 24 depicts one CRDC, one RDC with two active channels (i.e., using two wireless links), and a PDK.

With continued reference to FIG. 24, the CRDC outputs a c-beacon of which the RDC and PDK are aligned. The PDK realizes that the c-beacon's superframe count correlates to its internal predefined active superframe count, and then waits for the appropriate timeslot to respond to the system with its PDK location response. When the PDK responds on the c-beacon channel, the RDC detects the response and determines that it wants to associate with the PDK. The RDC then creates a message including its own RDC ID, the PDK's ID, a command to switch to channel 2, and a predicted superframe and timeslot the PDK should respond on. The PDK, in response, switches to channel 2 and waits for the appropriate superframe and timeslot count and transmits a link request along with its PDK ID and the destination RDC ID. The destination RDC then receives the information and responds back to the PDK with a link grant. Communications may now begin between the two devices exchanging the appropriate information to maintain the PDK-RDC link. To maintain synchronization, the RDC may define the periodic communication frequency with the PDK and will periodically generate a request to the PDK to exchange information. The PDK may then reconfigure its wake parameters to that of the RDC, as the RDC is maintaining superframe synchronization.

It is noted that in one or more embodiments, such as that described immediately above, the RDC may have a dual physical interface, maintaining synchronization with the CRDC on channel 1, while associating with one or more PDKs on channel 2. The physical interface connected to channel 1 provides timing to the physical interface on channel 2.

Further, because the RDC may have intelligence on both channels, the RDC may provide coordination of PDKs that it wants to redirect to channel 2 and PDKs that are on channel 2. More specifically, the RDC may move the superframe and timeslot that a PDK communicates to the RDC on, if another PDK with the same timeslot requirements is present on channel 1 and the RDC wants to associate with it.

CRDC Slot and Channel Coordination

In one or more embodiments, a CRDC may be configured via a remote connection to a server or automatically. Using remote configuration, the server may have knowledge of RDCs located within the CRDC cell boundary and may perform optimum channel and timeslot planning.

When the CRDC is configured automatically, the CRDC may scan all channels and find the channel with the least interference. The CRDC may then begin transmitting a c-beacon.

All RDCs located within a CRDC cell boundary may place the CRDC into its local CRDC database and complete scanning all other channels to determine if other CRDCs are present. In the case multiple CRDCs are found, the RDC may communicate to each CRDC its findings if possible.

Each CRDC may coordinate through that RDC to setup channels and timeslots to prevent interference between CRDCs. In one or more cases, the CRDC may select another channel and disregard the timeslot information because CRDCs may not be required to be timing coordinated. Further, it is noted that any RDC that detects more than one CRDC may select the CRDC with the best signal quality.

Protocol Operation

The following describes a protocol operation in a single cell coordinated system using a CRDC configuration. In one or more embodiments, there may be additional protocol fields required to allow interoperability between single cell and coordinated multi-cell configurations. Such additional protocol fields may provide information to RDCs and PDKs that are located in near proximity to each other, or within a CRDC cell.

A network format field may provide information to RDCs and PDKs related to the specific configuration the single cell or coordinated cells are operating in.

Name Type Valid Range Description Proxense_NWK_FMT Defines the network configuration employed for an RDC or CRDC Network Type Integer 0 to 7 Defines the network type employed. 0 = Single Cell 1 = Multi-Cell coordinated 2 = Multi-Cell coordinated w/ CRDC 3-7 = RFU Beacon Source Binary 0 or 1 Defines the source of the beacon. 0 = RDC 1 = CRDC Broadcast Flag Binary 0 or 1 Defines if this is a broadcast message. 0 = not broadcast 1 = broadcast Timeslot Select Integer 0 to 3 Defines how an RDC and PDK ® utilize timeslots in a system. 0 = no timeslots assigned 1 = 802.15.4 Beacon enabled 2 = PDK ® uses even timeslots/RDC uses odd timeslots 3 = PDK ® uses odd timeslots/RDC uses even timeslots

A network type value may be used to define a cell network configuration. An RDC receiving this field may determine its operating mode based on this field. If an RDC receives a network type of single cell from another transmitting RDC, the RDC may tune to another channel to avoid collisions with the other RDC. If the RDC receives a network type of coordinated multi-cell, the RDC may join the multi-cell coordinated system. If the RDC receives a network type of coordinated multi-cell with CRDC, the RDC may join the CRDC network if the site ID is the same.

The PDK may also receive this information and adjust its operating mode to comply with the system employed. If the PDK detects the system to be single cell, the PDK may conform to more of an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, communicating with the RDC in such a manner. The PDK may be aware that it is required to communicate with a specific RDC ID. The PDK may still have the capability to periodically monitor other channels for other RDCs in the local vicinity.

If a PDK detects the system is multi-cell coordinated, the PDK may receive further information indicating the other RDC frequencies in use in the coordinated network and may adjust its system operating parameters appropriately.

If the PDK determines the system is multi-cell CRDC coordinated, the PDK may adjust its operating parameters appropriately. The PDK may acknowledge that a c-beacon is present and may broadcast a PDK location response. The PDK may also understand that an RDC with a different ID other than a CRDC ID may attempt to communication with the PDK.

A “beacon source” field may indicate to all RDCs and PDKs in the general proximity of the type of beacon being generated. This information may be helpful, specifically when in a multi-cell CRDC system, and allows RDCs to distinguish between RDC generated beacons and CRDC generated beacons.

A “broadcast flag” may indicate to all recipients that the information being sent is intentionally being broadcast to all devices that can receive particular protocol information. In some cases, a message that may be sent to a specific PDK may also be broadcast to all PDKs. This flag assists the PDKs in determining how to treat the information.

A timeslot select field may indicate to PDKs and RDCs how the timeslots are configured in the system. This field may further be used to determine if an RDC and PDK are to use even-based or odd-based timeslots for responding.

In order for an RDC or PDK to determine that a network is of a particular type, a network identifier may be used.

Name Type Valid Range Description Proxense Network ASCII Proxense An 8 byte ASCII value Identifier identifying the network to be a Proxense network Single Cell Standalone Operation

The following description is based on, for example, an electronic game (such as one that may be found in a casino) operating in a single cell configuration and attached to some central server. However, it is noted that as described above, examples of applications and uses are for purposes of illustration and clarity and do not limit the present invention.

The game has a resident RDC integrated into its hardware and has a system stack that allows access to the game. The RDC may be attached to the game controller, or may use a separate controller containing the system stack and an interface to the central server.

For clarity, any interactions between the RDC and the server will assume that the reader understands that the system stack and server interface application are taken into account in the transactions described.

This description covers the basic initialization of the system and RDC/PDK interactions that occur while associated in the system. The following concept defines how, for example, a casino game in a single cell configuration may be setup with multiple player PDKs. Upon power being applied to the game and RDC, the internal circuits perform an initialization function and the operating system and game load. The game and RDC indicate to the central server that power has been applied. The system stack also loads in the controller and the RDC device is started in a static mode with its transceiver disabled. The RDC may first be configured to operate in a single cell environment and requires some basic setup requirements as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

The server places the game into a particular configuration mode where it can set the RDC for auto-discover mode, or may choose to manually configure parameters related to the RDC's operation. If the server places the RDC into auto-discovery mode, the RDC generates a random value for its RDC ID and its password, which is then passed back to the server.

If the server chooses to manually setup the RDC, the server may supply the RDC ID and password. The server may also send the network topology and preferred channels the RDC will operate on. The central server may then send its site information to the game controller, which is also used by the RDC to allow access to the game. Once the server has configured the RDC, the server will enable the RDC and game.

The configuration information shown in the table immediately below may be used for RDC provisioning.

Site ID 0x0100 Generic value for a single cell RDC. RDC ID 0x1234 Arbitrary value C-Superframe Length 32 2.5 second superframe period for PDK ® wakeup Superframe Length 16 16 slots per superframe Proxense Network Proxense Defines system as a Identifier Proxense system Proxense Network Format Network Type 0 Single Cell Beacon Source 0 RDC Broadcast Flag 1 Broadcast Timeslot Select 1 802.15.4 timeslots

In this configuration of a standalone RDC (without a site identifier): the site ID is set to 0 because this is a single cell RDC and no site information is required; the RDC ID is arbitrarily selected; the c-superframe length is set to 32 superframes indicating to the PDK that it needs to wake up once every 32 superframes in superframe 0 to exchange information with the RDC to remain associated; the superframe length is set to 16, which may be the standard value for a superframe in a particular system; the network identifier allowing a PDK to understand the beacon is from an enabled RDC; and the network format indicates one or more of several parameters (e.g., the network type indicates to the PDK that it is a single cell network—indicating to the PDK no other RDC is associated with this RDC and therefore no other RDC should be attempting access on this channel, the beacon source indicates to the PDK that the beacon is from an RDC and not a CRDC device, the broadcast flag indicates to the PDK that the message is being broadcast from the RDC, the timeslot select field indicates that a PDK should use IEEE 802.15.4 beacon-based handshaking with the RDC). The RDC then scans all channels (or preconfigured channels) to determine if any other IEEE 802.15.4 or client devices are present or if any other interference is found.

With the pre-configured information, the RDC then begins beacon transmission on the least interfered channel with a c-superframe count, superframe count, and the information located in the table immediately described above.

Now, as shown in FIG. 25, in standalone mode, the RDC will continue to transmit beacons on every superframe. The information in the table immediately described above may be transmitted along with the superframe count in every superframe to allow the PDK to configure and synchronize with the system. When the superframe count is the superframe length minus one, the superframe count will start counting from 0 for the next c-superframe.

At the end of each beacon transmission, a frame check sequence (FCS) may be appended as part of the IEEE 802.15.4 physical layer. The FCS provides protection for the data carried in the frame. Because the beacon may not occupy the entire frame (or timeslot), hashed lines are shown indicating additional idle time between the FCS and IFS. The RDC maintains the beacon transmission until the RDC is disabled or power is removed. At this point in the sequence of operations, there are no PDKs registered with the RDC, so no PDK can gain access without registering and receiving authorization from the RDC.

Again referring to the casino game example described above, a player with a PDK that has not yet been registered to the property enters the RDC cell. The PDK is in battery save mode and periodically wakes up looking for a network. As shown in FIG. 26, the PDK starts in a deep sleep state. The wakeup timer eventually expires, causing the PDK to enable and tune its receiver. The PDK then monitors the channel that it tuned to for a period of one 17 timeslots (one superframe plus one slot), or approximately 83 milliseconds. The 17 timeslot limit is based on a superframe of 16 timeslots, and the fact that the PDK, upon initial reception, could miss the beginning of a beacon. The additional slot provides the overlap necessary to guarantee reception of a beacon if one is present.

If no beacon is detected, the channel number is incremented (modulo 16) and the PDK resets its wakeup timer and returns to deep sleep mode. If a beacon is detected, the PDK checks for a network ID and if one is not found, it again increments the channel number, resets its wakeup timer, and returns to deep sleep mode. If the network ID is detected, the PDK attempts to establish a communications link with the RDC. At this point, the PDK has found a single cell network on channel 1 with an RDC ID of 0x1234, and the RDC is in broadcast mode indicating that it is attempting to gain the attention of any PDKs in the local proximity.

Now referring to FIG. 27, in which an authorization denial handshake is shown, the RDC broadcasts its beacon with the information as described above. The PDK detects the beacon in broadcast mode, determines the network configuration and RDC ID and returns a PDK location response with the RDC ID and PDK ID included. The RDC detects the response from the PDK and alerts the central server that a PDK with a public ID of 0x9876 (arbitrary) wants to attach and enable the game for play. In the meantime, the RDC may immediately respond back to the PDK indicating that the PDK should wait for authorization. This keeps the PDK responding to beacons as defined by the fields located in the beacon until the beacon is no longer present (i.e., the PDK is no longer in the RDC cell), or until a response is returned by the RDC.

The central sever, in conjunction with the system stack, may then choose to not recognize a particular PDK's public ID that has not yet been registered to the property. The RDC continues to output its beacon. Upon the next wakeup and PDK location response from the PDK, the RDC detects the PDK ID and, within its database, looks up the authorization parameters for this PDK. It determines that authorization has been denied and sends an “authorization deny” command to the PDK. In the case that a particular PDK is not recognized or not authorized, a notification may sent to a staff member of the property to register a user of the PDK, and/or, in one or more embodiments, one or more machines may be used to prompt the user to register with the property.

The PDK temporarily stores the RDC ID in its local memory with a flag indicating that it shall no longer respond to this RDC ID. The PDK may then go back into battery save mode and periodically scans all channels as previously described above with reference to FIG. 26.

Still referring to FIG. 27, because the PDK may not constantly be aware of its geographical location, the PDK may continue to monitor each channel and decode each beacon. Eventually, the PDK returns to the channel that the RDC is still transmitting beacons on, decodes the beacon information including the RDC ID, and determines that it is not to respond.

Further, the PDK may maintain the RDC ID in its local database until the beacon is no longer present during scanning, at which time the RDC ID is removed from the database. The period of time that the beacon is absent before removing the RDC ID from the database may be determined during prior system testing.

Assuming the RDC beacon is absent for a given period of time indicates to the PDK that the PDK has left the RDC cell. Upon the next detection of that RDC beacon, the PDK may again attempt to gain access to the RDC as shown in FIG. 27. The difference this time is the PDK ID is in the RDC's local database and the RDC may deny authorization without alerting the host system. The PDK may then operate as previously described after authorization has been denied.

In one or more embodiments, once a host system grants authorization for the PDK to operate within the property, then one or more different scenarios may exist. In one scenario, the RDC may transmit the PDK ID as part of the beacon transmission, alerting the PDK that the RDC wants to communicate, and the PDK may then respond with a PDK location response. In another scenario, the PDK returns to the RDC cell, and after detection of the beacon (with or without the PDK ID), it returns the PDK location response. In either case, after the RDC detects the PDK location response with the PDK's public ID, the RDC then issues a link request attempting to initiate a link between the RDC and PDK. FIG. 28, for example, shows a handshake between the RDC and PDK for a PDK authorization grant.

As shown in FIG. 28, the RDC may broadcast the beacon on every superframe. Although not shown, the superframe counter value is also included, which the PDK may use for battery conservation. The beacon may be broadcast in one of more different methods. The system may have just authorized a PDK and the beacon includes the PDK's public ID for a period of time or, in another method, the beacon may be transmitted without the PDK's public ID. As described above, if the PDK is in the RDC cell and has deactivated its response, when the PDK detects its ID in the beacon, it may reactivate its response to the RDC and transmit both the RDC ID and PDK public ID in its PDK location response.

If the PDK has just re-entered the RDC cell and detects the RDC beacon (with or without the PDK's public ID), the PDK may again respond with the RDC ID and its own PDK public ID. The RDC may then detect its RDC ID and the PDK public ID and immediately sends a link request to the PDK with both its RDC ID and the PDK's public ID indicating it wants to initiate a link with the PDK. The PDK may detect the request and respond with a link grant with both IDs included. The RDC and PDK may enter into association mode and then provide data exchange on a periodic basis insuring the PDK remains in range of the RDC. This periodic data exchange may occur based on parameters previously described above. Interleaved between the data exchange may be beacons that other PDKs may use to access the RDC. Eventually, the RDC may terminate the data exchange based on inactivity, as determined by the server, or as based on the PDK leaving the RDC cell, in which case the RDC realizes the PDK is no longer in range.

Further, it is noted that due to radio interference issues that might occur in wireless systems, the RDC and PDK may not relinquish the link based on the lack of a single data exchange. Because the RDC is not necessarily battery limited, the RDC may continue to monitor all timeslots in a superframe with the exception of those frames it transmits on. In contrast, it is noted that a PDK is likely battery limited and therefore may need to intelligently choose when to receive and transmit.

In the case the RDC and PDK lose communications during the predefined period they are attempting to communicate, both devices may have equal knowledge of such an event. Because the PDK is battery limited, the PDK may try on the next available timeslot to regain synchronization with the RDC. After a period of time in the RDC, or a predefined number of attempts by the PDK, the link may be considered lost.

Referring again to the casino game example, in one or more embodiments, an enabled single cell game facilitates multi-player access via the central server. Individual players may consecutively play the game provided they have the appropriate PDK, or in some instances, multiple players may be able to simultaneously play the game. The RDC allows for simultaneous multi-player access, so long as the central server supports and authorizes such play.

In the case where multiple PDKs may simultaneously access an RDC, the RDC may provide superframe coordination information to the PDKs to interleave them in a manner to avoid contention between RDC and PDK communications. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the RDC may assign a superframe and timeslot count to each PDK accessing the RDC. Through link setup and data exchange, the RDC may direct the PDK to use a specific superframe and timeslot (or multiple superframes and timeslots) for periodic data exchange. By using such a technique, the RDC may alter the wakeup superframe for each PDK and may efficiently distribute them so as to reduce contention between the PDKs. Because the PDKs are given a specific superframe and timeslot (or superframes and timeslots), the PDK is required to wake up during that superframe(s) and timeslot(s) to communicate with the RDC. This technique, in turn, may greatly extend PDK battery life.

Now referring to FIG. 30, it shows a configuration in which multiple games operating as single cell RDCs are co-located in close proximity with overlapping RDC cell coverage. In such a configuration, each RDC 200, 202 may not be aware of the presence of the other RDC 200, 202 but a PDK 204 that resides in the area of overlapping coverage may detect the presence of both RDCs 200, 202. A technique of restricting or allowing PDK access to one or more of the RDCs 200, 202, and the technique of enabling game play may depend on the system stack for that specific configuration.

In a configuration where multiple RDCs are co-located without the knowledge of each other, and where a PDK is registered to both RDCs, a technique of determining and gaining access to each RDC may be enforced. There are one or more possible scenarios that may occur. For example, in one case, a player may desire simultaneous access to a game and another device, such as a drink or food purchase device, with both being physically located near each other and without disrupting the game play. In another case, a player may be registered to multiple RDCs, but wants to associate with one RDC at any given time.

In addition to an RDC granting permission to the PDK for access, the RDC may also dictate to the PDK the number of simultaneous associations allowed. The purpose of defining the number of associations permitted may reduce the possibilities that the PDK can simultaneously associate with and enable two or more RDCs within close proximity of each other. This may prevent unauthorized use of a player's PDK on adjacent enabled devices, thereby disallowing a player from using another player's identity. The capability of configuring the number of associations for a particular RDC may be implemented in a system stack and controlled by the attached controller's application.

Referring again to the case where a player desires simultaneous access to a game and another device, a PDK may be capable of associating to multiple RDCs based on the physical limitation of the maximum number of simultaneous connections the PDK can handle and based on the number of associations the RDC permits.

Further, it is noted that under the conditions the PDK is associated with more than one RDC, the PDK may relay information back to each RDC indicating its timing relative to the other RDC. This information may be important in the event a single PDK is associated with more than one RDC because the clock frequency error between the RDCs may cause eventual timing drift that will eventually cause timeslot and superframe overlap and prevent the PDK from communicating with both units on a periodic basis. This situation is also noted: where two PDKs are associated with the same RDC and each PDK is also associated with a different second RDC. Additionally, each of the second RDCs may also have other PDKs associated with them that are also associated with even different RDCs. Eventually, such an uncoordinated system may appearing like a mesh network. A system of such complexity may require a CRDC to be used to address synchronization issues.

As to the case where a player may be registered to multiple RDCs, but wants to associate with one RDC at any given time, there may one or more techniques that may be employed to control how a PDK associates with a specific RDC. In one way, a PDK is associated with a single RDC. Using this technique, the PDK may attempt to associate to other RDCs, but the other RDCs will deny association through the back-end central server, causing the PDK to ignore the other RDCs as previously described above. It is noted that such a technique may eliminate a cell size issue, where the cell must be constrained to prevent other RDCs the PDK is registered to from accessing the PDK.

In another technique for directing a PDK to communicate to one RDC in a configuration where multiple RDCs exist of which the PDK is registered to, by significantly reducing the RF power level from the RDC and providing this information along with a request for the PDK to reduce its RF power, a close proximity communications channel may be created. The close proximity communications channel may then operate as if a single cell network exists. More particularly, if the RDC is configured to have a reduced RF power output, the RDC's cell boundary shrinks causing the PDK to have to be within closer proximity of the RDC to receive a beacon from that RDC. If, in turn, the RDC indicates in the beacon that it is at reduced RF power, the PDK is aware that the RDC is in extremely close proximity. In addition, if the beacon includes a command to instruct the PDK to reduce RF power, the chance of surrounding RDCs receiving a response or interference from the PDK may be minimized. When the communications channel is terminated and the PDK no longer sees the beacon from that RDC, the PDK may readjust its RF power level to normal levels for a larger cell coverage area. Such dynamic RF power level adjustment may be implemented in the system stack.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, there exists a scheme to dynamically adjust a transmission power and/or reception sensitivity of a wireless reader device along with an ability to command a client device to do likewise to permit both cell coverage and client device response area programmability. This may enable the dynamic tracking of transient client devices within and through the cell's extended or default coverage area with full power and sensitivity at both ends, while concurrently allowing the association of a particular client device in close proximity to the reader device for command and control of an application or service during a session. Those skilled in the art will note that by dynamically varying a size of a cell in which a secure transaction takes place between a PDK and an RDC (or in which a PDK accesses an application via an RDC), at least some level of security may be achieved in that eavesdropping may be prevented. Moreover, unnecessary and potentially unsafe propagation of a wireless signals beyond a certain distance may be avoided.

For example, a plurality of PDKs may be located in a default wireless coverage range of an RDC. This default wireless coverage range may represent a cell of the RDC at full power. As the plurality of PDKs enter and exit the RDC's cell, the RDC reports corresponding location tracking information back to, for example, a central server. When one of the PDKs requests access to an application secured by the RDC, the RDC may follow by reducing its RF power and commanding the requesting PDK to also lower its RF power, thereby in effect requiring that the requesting PDK be “drawn in” to the RDC in order for the PDK to access the application. It is noted that while the RDC may communicate with the requesting PDK via low power RF signals, the RDC may continue to maintain its default wireless coverage range for tracking other PDKs. When the requesting PDK is moved away from the RDC or the session is otherwise terminated, both ends return to their default full RF power settings.

As described above, reception sensitivity of the RDC and/or PDK may be changed as part of a cell size variation technique in accordance with one or more embodiments. Reception sensitivity may be adjusted using an RF attenuator (e.g., a step, variable, or programmable RF attenuator) that is either specific to a receive path or common to both receive and transmit paths. It is noted that even if the attenuator is common to both receive and transmit paths, transmit power may be independently controlled. Further, in one or more embodiments, a separate attenuator may be used to allow for independent control of transmission power and reception sensitivity.

To determine how much to adjust the size of a wireless cell without severing a wireless connection between an RDC and a PDK, one or more of various metrics may be used. For example, in one or more embodiments, a signal strength of the PDK may be monitored to determine by how much to power down a transmission power of the RDC and/or the PDK. If the signal strength is determined to be relatively strong, then the RDC may cause a reduction in transmission power that is greater than if the signal strength were detected as being weak. Conversely, if the signal strength is detected as being weak, the RDC may lower transmission power by a small amount or not at all. Instead of or in addition to relying on signal strength, a bit error rate may be assessed to determine by how much to power down the transmission power. For example, if the bit error rate of communications between the RDC and PDK is determined to be low, then the RDC may lower transmission power by an amount greater than if the bit error rate was determined to be relatively high.

Further, as described above, the transmission power and/or reception sensitivity of either or both of an RDC and a PDK may be adjusted. In one or more embodiments, only a transmission power of the PDK may be adjusted. This may done to, for example, “bring in” the PDK and reduce the likelihood of that PDK interfering with other RDCs. In one or more other embodiments, the transmission power of both the RDC and the PDK may be adjusted in an effort to draw in the PDK to the RDC. In still one or more other embodiments, in addition to or instead of adjusting transmission power, reception sensitivity of either or both of the RDC and the PDK may be changed.

Moreover, in one or more embodiments, an RDC may have multiple wireless transceivers, whereby at least one of the transceivers is at full power for PDK location tracking purposes, while one or more of the other transceivers are used to establish adjustable wireless cells for particular associations with PDKs. For example, in the case of an ATM machine having an RDC, the RDC may carry out a secure transaction with a PDK in an adjusted wireless cell, while at the same time, casting a broader wireless cell to monitor and identify one or more PDKs around the transacting PDK. In such a manner, for example, a security measure may be implemented by which the RDC can identify individuals behind a transacting user. Further, as an added or alternative security measure, transmission power may be adjusted dependent on a sensitivity of the type of data requested to be exchanged in a particular transaction. Such data sensitive transactions may be conducted at low power with additional security measures such as password entry or biometric input.

Application Utilizing Multi-Cell Coordination

The following describes a system architecture and operation of a system within, for example, a casino application. Referring to FIG. 31, a CRDC (not shown) and multiple RDCs (shown, but not individually labeled) are distributed throughout a casino floor. In such embodiments, a single CRDC generates a cell 210 that provides ubiquitous coverage of the entire floor. On the left side of FIG. 31, multiple RDCs (shown, but not labeled) provide overlapping cell coverage and blanket the casino floor and gaming table area 212 all the way to an entrance of the casino with continuous wireless service coverage. These RDCs may be dedicated to PDK location tracking, allowing the casino operator to know where a player carrying his/her PDK is geographically located on the floor. These RDCs may be mounted in the floor or ceiling, creating, for example, relatively symmetrical cells.

Another set of RDC cells (shown, but not labeled) are shown to exist in the right side of FIG. 31 and are integrated in gaming machines (shown, but not labeled) within an electronic gaming area 214. The cell orientation for these RDCs is more oblong and focused at players that are within close proximity and in front of the electronic gaming machines, noting that cell orientation and shape may be set according to antenna position and/or configuration. The cells extend outward towards the center of the isle to detect the presence of a player that may be walking by. Toward the lower right part of FIG. 31 is a registration cell 216 that sits at a registration desk (shown, but not labeled) where a player may register and acquire a PDK the first time the player enters the casino. The registration cell 216 may be smaller in size to enable local communications between the RDC and PDK without allowing external RF monitoring devices to capture and record the interaction between the devices.

It is noted that in FIG. 31, a PDK 218 that is currently out of the range of all RDCs, but still in range of the CRDC. This represents a PDK carried by a player, which is being used to track the player's position and provide additional services. Such services are further described below.

Further, still referring to FIG. 31, there is a central server 220. The central server 220 may contain a player's financial information (credit card numbers, gambling limits, and other information related to a player). In addition, the central server 220 may be physically wired (not shown) to all RDCs and/or CRDCs located throughout the casino.

Although not shown in FIG. 31, within the PDK location tracking system, RDCs may be gambling tables that also have RDCs embedded within the table itself. A representative gambling table is shown in FIG. 32.

As shown in FIG. 32, a gambling table 230 has RDCs 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 246 embedded within it. RDC 246 may be a dealer RDC that has a cell geometry covering the dealer's area, allowing the dealer to freely move around in this area. There are an additional RDCs 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244 that are located at each player position. Each of these RDC cell's coverage areas are oblong and are directed to where the player would be sitting/standing. It is noted that each player position's RDC 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244 allows for some coverage of the region directly behind each player position, allowing the RDC 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244 to report back through the system the presence and identity of anyone behind the player. The RDC cell's coverage areas may be minimized to cover the area where a dealer or player may be located relative to the table. Those skilled in the art will note that the actual cell footprints may vary from those shown in FIG. 32. Utilizing distributed RDCs with directional, highly attenuated, antennas allows the casino operator to know the location of both dealers and players, and the amount of time they remained at the table.

The CRDC, PDK location tracking RDCs, and gambling table RDCs, may interoperate in a system such as that shown in FIG. 33. FIG. 33 shows a graphical representation of the sequence of events that may occur when a c-beacon is transmitted in, for example, a casino application. As shown in FIG. 33, first, a CRDC 250 transmits the c-beacon to all RDCs and PDKs (shown, but not labeled) within the CRDC's cell radius. All of the RDCs and PDKs setup and synchronize their timing to the beacon. Next, each PDK, in its appropriate timeslot, transmits a PDK location response ID. Any RDC that is in the vicinity of the PDK's response receives the PDK location response ID and logs specific information related to the reception. Then, each RDC packetizes the information received from the PDK and, through a wired back channel, relays the information to a central server 252. The central server 252 may then utilize this information to indicate to an operator, by either graphical or text format, the geographic location of each player.

Representing the flow in a different manner, the interactions for a single PDK is shown in FIG. 34. In addition to providing location tracking information, when the PDK outputs a PDK location response ID, certain events may occur from an RDC based device. In the event the RDC based device is an electronic game, via the central server, the electronic game may entice the player over to it by flashing information on the screen related to that specific player. In one example, an electronic gaming machine may offer the player a free game, gaining the player's attention and ultimately enticing the player to play the game. In order to identify the player, further steps may be taken between the PDK and the RDC that are described below.

In the event the RDC device is used for location tracking, it may perform further interrogation of the PDK to determine whether the PDK is legitimate. A more detailed description of such interrogation is provided below.

Now referring to FIG. 35, it shows two CRDCs with overlapping cell coverage, but not to the point where each CRDC can see the other CRDC. As shown in FIG. 35, the CRDC cells are non-uniform in nature due to obstructions blocking the transmit radio path. The CRDC cell overlap may cause a number of RDCs to be in each CRDC cell. It is envisioned that other CRDCs may overlap in the same region if they are placed above and below the RDC micro-cellular structure. In this case, for example, up to 4 channels may be occupied just for CRDC beacon transmission.

Due to the possibility of interferers in the coverage area of the CRDC, the central server may manually configure the CRDC, or the central server may also instead or additionally have the capability to auto-configure. In the case the central server performs manual configuration, upon initial installation, power up, and provisioning, the CRDC is configured to remain in a dormant state until the central server interacts with the device and instructs it to perform specific tasks. The central server may first instruct the CRDC to enable the receiver, scan all channels, and report back the findings of each channel. When the CRDC scans each channel, it collects signal quality metrics and any IEEE 802.15.4 radio transmissions. The operator of the central server may then analyze all of the signal quality metric information and any IEEE 802.15.4 framing information to determine the best channel the CRDC should transmit its beacon on. Once determined, the operator at the central server may command the CRDC to store the specific channel that it will transmit on and enable it to begin transmitting. The operator may then select the next CRDC and perform the same operations, until all CRDCs have been configured in the network.

In an automatic configuration mode, the CRDC scans each channel and collects signal quality metrics and determines if other IEEE 802.15.4 devices (including another CRDC) are present. The CRDC may then select the quietest channel to begin its beacon transmission on. Further, it is noted that it may be recommend that initial auto-configuration of a CRDC occur when there is a single CRDC present. This recommendation is based on the fact that the CRDC may have overlapping coverage with another CRDC as shown in FIG. 35, but the CRDC is not aware of the overlap, causing two CRDCs to transmit their beacons on the same channel. Eventually, due to potential timing inaccuracies in the CRDCs, they may overlap and become direct interferers to RDCs and PDKs in the overlapping area. An exception to this recommendation is when the system is configured to allow the CRDC to report back the channel that it occupies (or intends to occupy) to the central server, and the server can then analyze the CRDC channel lineup on all CRDCs and reassign a channel for any given CRDC.

Once a channel has been assigned and stored in a local non-volatile memory of the CRDC, upon next power up, the CRDC scans all channels again and return to their last assigned channel provided that it is not occupied by an interferer or by another CRDC beacon. In such a case, the CRDC may have to again go through the initialization process.

Although a synchronized system may lead to higher throughput and may possibly lead to better battery life, in one or more embodiments, it may not be necessary for CRDCs to be synchronized. Because each CRDC operates on a separate channel, there may be no timing-specific consideration that needs to be addressed between CRDCs. Instead, a concern may relate to how the PDK aligns to multiple unsynchronized CRDCs. From a PDK location-tracking standpoint, the PDK may be required to lock to a single CRDC beacon. The CRDC beacon will indicate to PDKs what other channels a CRDC may be located on. The PDK may not need to attempt receiving from any other CRDC, provided the signal quality metrics for the current CRDC it is monitoring has sufficient signal quality to receive error free data. In the case the signal quality degrades, the PDK may then periodically switch to other channel(s) to determine if a better signal quality can be obtained. If a better signal quality is determined to be on an alternate channel, the PDK may then immediately switch to the alternate channel, provided it is not in association with an RDC at that instance in time. If the PDK has begun association to an RDC, the PDK may have to attempt to finish the association before switching to the alternate channel. It is noted that once a PDK is in association with a RDC, the PDK is no longer required to monitor the CRDC beacon, until the association ends between the devices by releasing the link or by the PDK leaving the RDC cell.

When an RDC is powered up for the first time, the RDC may not be aware of the network it belongs to or its configuration within the network. The RDC may default to a single cell configuration. For this reason, RDCs placed in a CRDC cell configuration may by default remain in a dormant state upon its first initial power up in the network. This may allow the central server to configure any specific information related to the network into the RDC prior to operation. Some of this information may include, for example, the site ID, a local RDC ID, and other parameters related to the wireless transmission protocol. The site ID is important, because the property owner may not want their RDCs to become associated with another property; thus, the RDC should synchronize to beacons transmitted with that site's ID. The RDC ID is used in communication between a PDK and RDC; hence, there should be one RDC ID per RDC device in the network. Other application-dependent parameters may include how the unit operates when associated with a PDK and whether the RDC sends data back to the server when data is ready, or if the server must poll the RDC for the information. The central server may then command the RDC to enable its receiver and scan all channels to determine the signal quality of each channel and which CRDCs may be received by the RDC. The operator of the central server may allow the RDC to automatically select which CRDC Beacon to lock to, or can command the RDC to select a specific CRDC beacon. After reviewing the channel list for signal quality, the system may then command which channels the RDC can use for alternate channels for RDC-PDK communications, or the system may command the RDC to automatically select the alternate channels. The system may then place the RDC in operation mode, and the RDC then tunes to the selected CRDC beacon channel and remains there listening for CRDC beacons and any PDK that sends a PDK location response ID. While receiving the c-beacon, the RDC may configure its timeslot information similar to that described above. This defines the superframe structure as well as defining which timeslots (odd or even) the RDC is permitted to communicate with a PDK on the beacon channel.

In the background, on the alternate wireless link described above with reference to FIG. 9, the RDC may continue to scan the alternate channels, updating its list of clear channels. This updated list may then be used when a RDC determines it wants to extend its communication with a PDK in association mode and selects which channel that communication will occur on. The RDC, in operational mode, may perform frame and slot alignment to the CRDC and listen for a PDK location tracking response. On a periodic basis, the RDC may send information back to the central server indicating that it is still operational and indicating the status of the communications channels (e.g., CRDC beacon, alternate channels).

In one or more embodiments, a registration RDC may be used to initially enable and to configure a PDK. The registration RDC may have a small cell coverage area by design, measured, for example, in inches. This may require that the unregistered PDK must be in extremely close proximity, e.g., placed on the registration RDC housing, to communicate with the registration RDC, reducing the likelihood of RF eavesdroppers gaining access to PDK setup information.

The registration RDC may be directly connected to a central server. In addition to specific security features, the registration RDC installs and configures service provider information located on the central server (described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7). Such information may include the service provider ID, secret key, and other parameters that the service provider wants to designate for access within their network. These other parameters may vary in size in the PDK and may be defined by the host system to meet the needs of the property. Information transferred to a PDK may include, for example, the service provider site ID, the service provider's assigned PDK ID, the service provider's secret service ID, the service provider's secret key, and service provider specific access information.

Now describing an example of an operation in accordance with one or more embodiments, once a system has been installed and properly provisioned, a rated player may walk into the casino. They are greeted by a host and walked over to the registration desk, where the player's information, already in the central server, is linked to a PDK that is given to the player and assigned with specific privileges. The player places the PDK in their pocket and begins to walk throughout the casino. Once the PDK leaves the registration cell, the PDK enters discovery mode and scans the channels for a c-Beacon. If the PDK does not locate the c-beacon, it continues to scan for an undetermined period of time until it either goes into battery save mode or finds a c-beacon.

Once the PDK finds a c-Beacon, the PDK determines if the c-beacon is a particular type of network and the site ID is in its local service provider database. If the site ID is not in the database, the PDK ignores that c-beacon and keeps looking for other c-beacons on other channels until one is found that is in its local database. Once a valid c-beacon containing a site ID that is in the PDK's local database is found, the PDK extracts the CRDC channel availability flags and checks the other channels in the CRDC channel availability list. The PDK then determines which CRDC has the best signal quality metrics. The PDK switches to that channel and begins receiving c-beacons. The PDK extracts the CRDC and network configuration information as described above. This information may define the framing structure and how the PDK should operate within the network. The PDK then applies the c-beacon parameters to its radio transceiver parameters, configuring the sleep interval and response superframe and timeslot information. Because the PDK has just received a c-beacon, the PDK is now aware of the current superframe count. The PDK then configures its timer to wake up just prior to the expected superframe count that it may communicate on.

Now also referring to FIG. 36, when the sleep timer expires, the PDK may wake up, listen for a specific c-beacon, and verify the superframe count. It then waits a predetermined period of time for its slot to be available and performs CSMA-CA, and if no other device is attempting to respond, it responds with its PDK location tracking response. If another device was detected on the channel, the PDK may then reset its timers and wait for the next predefined superframe and timeslot to wake up and attempt again.

It is noted that a PDK in accordance with one or more embodiments may be powered by an internal battery of, for example, a type commonly used to power small electronic devices such as watches, calculators, and mobile computing devices. The power of such a client device battery is consumed when the PDK is active. In an effort to reduce and/or minimize battery consumption, in one or more embodiments, the active time of a PDK as a percentage of total time may be reduced by management of transmission and reception times. For example, as described above, a network in accordance with one or more embodiments may be designed to configure time slots (e.g., frames), groups of time slots (e.g., superframes), and/or coordinating beacon superframes (e.g., c-superframes) in a manner such that a client device is caused to both listen and respond within specific time slots. Because these time slots are configured by the network, they may be precisely predicted, thereby allowing the client device to set a timer, return to sleep mode, and waken when a specific, time-slotted interaction is expected or required of the client device. Further, in one or more embodiments, because a network in accordance with one or more embodiments may implement programmable c-superframe lengths, an operator or system may individually tailor performance to maximize (or at least improve) battery life and/or minimize (or at least reduce) system inter-message latency without requiring access of the client device itself or physical alteration of the client device.

When the PDK responds with a PDK location tracking response, every RDC within local proximity that can receive the response may log the response message in its database along with signal quality metrics and a timestamp. They will then send the information back to the central server. The response may be sent by the server polling the RDC or by the RDC if it has data to send. Once the central server receives the PDK information from one or multiple RDCs, the server may then determine if any further communication with the PDK is necessary. If, for example, the system wants to validate the PDK, it can perform a validation. The server may then send a command to a specific RDC to set up communications with a specific PDK and wait for a response from that RDC. Because the communication between the RDC and the central server may not be instantaneous, the RDC may have to wait for the next PDK location tracking response. After performing CSMA-CA, it may immediately instruct the PDK to switch to the alternate channel. If, during the CSMA-CA, the RDC detected another device on the channel, the RDC may wait for the next PDK location tracking response from that PDK and then re-attempt PDK channel reassignment. The PDK may then switch to the alternate channel, perform CSMA-CA, and send a link request to that specific RDC ID with its own ID included. The RDC, looking for the link request with its specific ID and a particular PDK ID, detects the request and then responds with a link grant. Further, the RDC may alert the central server of the link, and a data exchange occurs with information the server is interested in collecting by interrogating that PDK. After the data exchange occurs, the central server commands the RDC to terminate the link. The RDC may then terminate the link, and the PDK may returns to the c-Beacon channel, re-synchronizing to the beacon, and begin monitoring for its timeslot. The PDK may then continue to send responses back to all RDCs in its immediate vicinity when its specific superframe count and timeslot are valid.

It is noted that the foregoing description detailing a process of PDK validation and interrogation relates to one or more embodiments. However, in one or more other embodiments, the central server may have also altered the service provider information within the PDK.

If, during the switch to the alternate channel for RDC to PDK communications, the PDK determines the channel is occupied or the PDK does not receive a link grant back from the RDC, the PDK may perform one or more additional attempts. If after all attempts, the PDK does not receive a response from an RDC, that PDK may return to the c-beacon channel, realign to the beacon, and then begin sending its PDK location tracking ID.

If the RDC was unable to receive the link request from the PDK on the alternate channel, for a predefined period of time, the RDC may flag the error and continue listening on the channel. If the same RDC is again instructed to establish communications with the same PDK, the RDC may choose to use a different alternate channel and redirect the PDK to the new alternate channel for communications.

Now referring to FIG. 37, it shows a PDK wakeup and response flow in a CRDC coordinated system. For purposes of describing FIG. 37, it is assumed that the PDK has acquired system synchronization and has gone into the sleep mode after setting its timers to wake up on the next predefined superframe. The PDK remains in sleep mode until the wakeup timer expires and wakes up the PDK. The PDK then enables and tunes its receiver to the c-beacon channel and listens for the beacon for a predefined period of time. If no beacon is detected, the PDK checks for other CRDC channel available flags in its local memory. It then reassesses signal quality and beacons on the alternate CRDC channels.

After the PDK assesses the other CRDC channels and no beacon is found, the PDK goes back into rediscovery mode scanning all channels looking for a c-beacon. If no c-Beacon is found, the PDK then starts its deep sleep mode. In the event that other CRDC channels are present, the PDK assesses the signal quality of each channel and selects the best channel. The PDK then selects that channel and tunes to it listening for the CRDC beacon.

When the PDK receives the beacon, it checks all of the parameters associated with it including the superframe count. If the PDK determines the superframe count is not the correct one for it to wake up and respond on, it sets its internal sleep timer to wake up just before the next expected superframe it should respond to and returns to sleep mode. If the PDK determines that the beacon is on the PDK's expected superframe count, the PDK then stays awake, but stops listening until just before its expected timeslot. The PDK may then perform CSMA-CA to determine if the channel is busy. If the PDK determines the channel is busy, the PDK may again set its internal sleep timer for the next expected superframe and return to the sleep mode.

If the PDK finds the channel to be available, the PDK then transmits its location tracking response and waits for one additional timeslot for a response from an RDC. If the PDK receives a response from an RDC, it then performs the command sent by the RDC (e.g., to switch to the alternate communications channel). If the PDK does not receive a response from an RDC, the PDK may again set its internal sleep timer to wake up just before the next expected superframe it should respond to and then return to sleep mode.

As described above with reference to FIG. 31, in one or more embodiments, an RDC may be located within an electronic game on an electronic gaming floor. Each game may have an integrated dual wireless link RDC, such as that described above with reference to FIG. 9. The RDC may be used for PDK location tracking and PDK association. There are various approaches in integrating an RDC into an electronic game or other equipment housing. In one approach, shown in FIG. 38, the integration of the RDC is from a physical perspective; no electrical connections exist between the RDC and the game. In this configuration, the RDC and electronic game need not even reside within the same enclosure; they coexist as two physically close, but separate, devices. They may not be connected in any way other than physical proximity. The purpose of placing them in close physical proximity is to allow the RDC to perform proximity detection for any player carrying a PDK that may be positioned near the front of the machine. In this configuration, each device (RDC and electronic game) may have separate connections to a central server (or an external data concentrator) used to connect both devices to a single wired connection back to the server. It is noted that the game may operate autonomously, with the possible exception of responses to any commands sent to it by the server. In this case, the RDC may provide both proximity detection and association with PDKs.

Now also referring to FIG. 39, it shows an example of a handshake that may take place from the time a player carrying a PDK is detected to the time the game is enabled for that player. For purposes of clarity, the CRDC is not shown in FIG. 39. The handshake starts by the PDK detecting a c-beacon. Each time the c-beacon is detected on the expected superframe and timeslot, the PDK may send out a PDK location tracking response.

The RDC near the game detects the response and sends the PDK's information back to the central server. The server realizes the user is close to the game and may send a command back to the game instructing it to display a message for the player in an effort to entice the player to play. In this example, the player may see the message and sit down at the game and press a button to commence play. In turn, the game sends a message back to the server indicating that the button has been pressed. The server then requests the RDC to make a connection with the player's PDK. Upon the next c-beacon, the player's PDK responds and the RDC receives the response. The RDC then transmits back to the PDK to change to another channel for association mode to begin. It is noted that up until this time, the PDK was in tracking mode. The PDK then switches to the alternate channel indicated by the RDC and sends out a PDK link request with both the PDK ID and the RDC ID. The RDC detects the request and sends back a PDK link grant. The PDK and the RDC then exchange secure information to establish trust, prior to establishing a secure link for validation of the PDK. The RDC may also lower its RF power and instruct the PDK to lower its RF power in order to enforce close proximity. Periodic data exchange may continue to between the RDC and PDK.

After the secure link is established, the RDC may report back to the central server that the link is established between the RDC and PDK. The central server may then send a command to the game to display a message, which the game then displays. The player may see the message on the screen and presses his PDK's button causing it to transmit this event over the secure link to the RDC. The RDC relays this information back to the server. When the central Server receives the button press message, it can enable the game so that the player may begin playing.

The handshake continues as shown in FIG. 40. After the game has been enabled for the player to play, the server may then send a command to the RDC to start polling the player's PDK. The RDC then periodically polls the PDK and may have returned the responses of each poll back to the server, as shown in FIG. 40.

Still referring to the example being described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40, the player may continue to play the game for a while, then finishes and decides to leave. When the player exits the coverage area of the RDC near the game, the communications link is broken. The RDC attempts to poll the PDK, but receives no response. The RDC continues a few more times with no response. The RDC then reports back to the central server that the link was lost and the PDK is out of range. The central server then sends a message to the game to return it to an idle state so that another player can play, then requests the game to send back the player's game play information (if not already obtained), which the server logs.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40, a central server may be the communications medium linking an RDC to a game. It communicates with the game, tying the PDK to that game. If either device loses connection to the central server, game play may stay enabled.

Now referring to FIG. 41, it shows an electronic game with an integrated RDC, internally connected to communicate directly with the game. Thus, all power and communication for the RDC may go through the electronic game. In this configuration, both the RDC and game reside within the same game enclosure where they jointly coexist. All information exchanged between the RDC and Bally Central Server must flow through the electronic game's controller and network interface. The purpose of placing them in the same enclosure allows the RDC to perform proximity detection for any player carrying a PDK® that may be positioned near the front of the machine.

At least one difference in the configuration shown in FIG. 41 relative to the configuration shown in FIG. 38 is that the game's internal controller may act to reduce the traffic loading on the back-end network and perform more local verification of the communications link between the PDK and the RDC. To illustrate a difference in interaction between these two configurations, reference is made to the handshake diagram shown in FIG. 42. More particularly, FIG. 42 shows a handshake that may take place from the time a player carrying a PDK is detected to the time the game is enabled for that player. For purposes of clarity, the CRDC is not shown in FIG. 42. The handshake starts by the PDK detecting a c-beacon. Each time the c-beacon is detected on the expected superframe and timeslot, the PDK sends out a PDK location tracking response. The RDC within the game detects the response and sends the PDK information back to a central server via the game's internal controller. The server is made aware that the user is close to the game and sends a command back to the game controller instructing the game to, for example, give the user a free game along with optionally displaying the user's name. The game then displays a message for the player in an effort to entice the player to play. The player may then see the message, sit down at the game, and press a button to commence game play. In turn, the game controller detects the button press and requests the RDC to make a connection with the player's PDK. Upon the next c-beacon, the PDK responds and the RDC receives the response. The RDC may then transmit back to the PDK a command to change to an alternate channel for association. The player's PDK then switches to the alternate channel indicated by the RDC and sends out a PDK link request with both the PDK ID and the RDC ID. The RDC detects the request and sends back a PDK link grant. The PDK and the RDC may then exchange secure information to establish trust, prior to establishing a secure link for validation of the PDK. The RDC may also lower its RF power and instruct the PDK to lower its RF power in order to enforce close proximity. Periodic data exchange may then continue between the RDC and PDK.

After the secure link is established, the RDC reports back to the game controller that the link is established between the RDC and PDK. The game may then display an instructional message for game play. The player may see the message on the screen and presses the player's PDK button, causing the PDK to transmit this event over the secure link to the RDC. The RDC may then send this information back to the game controller. When the game controller receives the button press message, it can enable the game so that the player can begin playing.

The handshake continues as shown in FIG. 43. After the game was enabled for the player to play, the game controller sends a command to the RDC to start polling the player's PDK. The RDC then periodically polled his PDK and had the option of returning the responses of each poll back to the controller, as shown in FIG. 43.

Returning to the example described above with reference to FIGS. 42 and 43, the player may continue to play the game for a while, then finishes and decides to leave. When the player exits the coverage area of the RDC near the game, the communications link is broken. The RDC attempts to poll the PDK, but receives no response. The RDC may continue a few more times, with no response. The RDC then reports back to the game controller that the link was lost and the PDK is out of range. The game controller returns itself to an idle state so that another player can play and indicates back to the central server that the PDK is out of range. The server may then request the game to send the player's game play information (if not already received), which is then logged.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 42 and 43, in one or more embodiments, the game controller may become more involved in the RDC to PDK association, thereby potentially reducing the back-end system network's traffic loading relative to that experienced with the configuration where an RDC is electrically separate from the game controller. The game controller may also react faster to the user walking out of range and may not require any response from the server in order to maintain the link. It is further noted that a broken link between the central server, game controller, and RDC may not result in any loss of any interaction between the RDC and the game controller.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of the above description, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the present invention as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of facilitating data exchange, comprising: determining a first specified time slot based on synchronization information wirelessly received by the first client device and priority level data associated with a first class; assigning the first specific time slot for a first client device to wirelessly communicate with a fixed proximity-based reader device; reassigning the first specific time slot for a second client device to wirelessly communicate with the fixed proximity-based reader device, the first specific time slot reset based on synchronization information wirelessly received by the second client device and priority level data associated with a second class, wherein the first class is associated with one or more of the first client device and a user of the first client device, and the second class is associated with one or more of the second client device and a user of the second client device.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: assigning a second specific time slot to the first client device, the second specific time slot set according to the first class.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning the first specific time slot comprises: masking a bit field of the first client device.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the mask is wirelessly communicated to the first client device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein reassigning the first specific time slot is dependent on a network traffic load.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first specified time slot and the second specified time slot are on different wireless channels.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: reassigning the first specific time slot to a third client device in response to a detection that the first client device is unavailable.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that the first client device should switch to a different channel; and sending a message to the first client device, the first client device, responsive to receiving the message, switching the channel upon which the first client device wirelessly communicates with a fixed proximity-based reader device.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the message includes information identifying the first client device, information identifying the fixed proximity-based reader device, a designation of a channel and a command to switch to the designated channel.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the determination to switch to the different channel is dependent on at least one of a user associated with the first client device, a class of a user associated with the first client device, a class of the first client device, and a network traffic load in the system.
 11. A system, comprising: a network device configured to wirelessly broadcast synchronization information; a reader device comprising a first interface and a second interface, the first interface configured to wirelessly receive the synchronization information from the network device on a first channel and the second interface configured to communicate with the client device in accordance with the synchronization information on a second channel; and a portable client device configured to wirelessly receive the synchronization, the received synchronization information comprising information assigning a specific time slot during which the client device can communicate with one or more of the reader device and the network device, the time slot being determined according to a priority level data associated with a class, the class associated with the one or more of the portable client device and the user of the portable client device.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the client device is configured to transmit data to one or more of the reader device and the network device during the specific time slot, the time slot determined based on the synchronization information and priority level data associated with the class.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the client device is configured to receive data from one or more of the reader device and the network device during the specific time slot, the time slot determined based on the synchronization information and priority level data associated with the class.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the time slot is determined based on a mask applied to a bit field stored in the client device, and wherein the mask is wirelessly communicated to the client device as part of the synchronization information wirelessly broadcasted by the network device.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the synchronization information is dependent on at least one of a user associated with the client device, a class of a user associated with the client device, a class of the client device, and a network traffic load in the system.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the reader device is configured to reassign the timeslot during which the client device communicates with the reader device.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the reader device is configured to reassign the timeslot during which the client device communicates with the reader device based at least in part on at least one of a user associated with the client device, a class of a user associated with the client device, a class of the client device, and a network traffic load in the system.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the reader device is further configured to detect the portable client device on the first channel and sending a message to the portable client device on the first channel responsive to a determination that the reader device wants to communicate with the portable client device, the reader device capable of wirelessly communicating on the first and the second wireless channels and further configured to switch to the second channel responsive to receiving the message.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the message includes information identifying the portable client device, information identifying the reader device, a designation of a channel and a command to switch to the designated channel. 